“Ok, by now it’s more or less an open secret that Microsoft is going to shift away from its current model and go straight after the iPod with a portable media player of its own, but we’ve landed some exclusive details about the new player courtesy of a trusted insider who is party to some of the discussions Microsoft is having with potential content partners,” Peter Rojas reports for Engadget.
“To attract current iPod users Microsoft is going to let you download for free any songs you’ve already bought from the iTunes Music Store. They’ll actually scan iTunes for purchased tracks and then automatically add those to your account. Microsoft will still have to pay the rights-holders for the songs, but they believe it’ll be worth it to acquire converts to their new player,” Rojas reports. “Right now the new player is schedule to launch in November.”
Full article, with a blurry photo, here.
Microsoft’s code name for their iTunes Music Store replacement plan: “Pure Desperation.” Why Microsoft feels the need to “own” every market it sees is beyond us, but it will prove to be their downfall.
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